Winter Trout Stocking Program Locations Announced

AUSTIN – For an inexpensive, entry-level fishing experience the entire family can enjoy, it doesn’t get much easier than winter rainbow trout fishing in Texas.

Beginning in December and continuing through March, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will stock upwards of 250,000 hatchery-reared rainbow trout at more than 100 sites across the state. Many of the fish stockings will be conducted at small community fishing lakes, state park lakes and popular river tailraces offering easy angling access.

Locations such as Beal Park Lake in Midland, Eisenhower Park Pond in Houston, and Waldron Park in Corpus Christi will be stocked this winter.

TPWD has been stocking rainbow trout in small urban lakes, state park lakes and popular river tailraces each winter since the 1970s, providing Texans a simple and economical opportunity to go fishing.

The program occurs in the winter due to the cooler water temperatures in Texas water bodies the fish require to survive.

Catching these hungry fish can be easy, making the experience ideal for both novice anglers and kids. The fish will bite almost immediately after stocking and typically will take a variety of baits, from whole kernel canned corn or commercial soft bait to artificial flies and even small spinnerbaits.

“It is important for anglers to understand that the posted schedule is tentative and is subject to change due weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances,” said Todd Engeling, TPWD hatchery program director. “It is always best to check the web site before heading out to one of the stocking sites.”

For more information about the winter trout fishing program, including tips and the 2012-2013 trout stocking schedule listed by city or county visit http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/management/stocking/trout_stocking.phtml.